THE defending champion Far Eastern University is expected to have a tough time with the Ateneo Blue Eagles when they meet again in their Final Four rubber match today at the Araneta Coliseum.
The Blue Eagles will be ready for them, and will come prepared when they meet at 4 p.m. in the 79th University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s basketball Final Four.
This is why coach Nash Racela is challenging all members of his team to contribute in every little way they can.
The last time around around, the Tams outrebounded the Blue Eagles, 50-40.
Their strength under the boards and their zone defense rattled the Blue Eagles, and the Tams eventually prevailed, 62-61, Saturday evening.
“Each and every member of the team contributed to the cause. I can’t recall any one player who was solely responsible for the win. That’s what we need in our next game,” said Racela.
The winner will earn the right to face De La Salle University in the finals on Saturday.
So far, FEU has been dominating the offensive boards with 47 rebounds, with Ateneo behind with its average of 44.5
FEU has two dominant rebounders in Raymar Jose and Prince Orizu with 11.8 and 9.8 rebounds, while Thirdy Ravena leads the Blue Eagles with 7.7.
The last time around, Jose made his presence felt underneath, scoring a season high 20 points and a near-season record of 23 rebounds.
In that game, the Blue Eagles were forced to shoot from the outside a lot, and of the 36 three-point attempts, they converted only six.
Aaron Black led the Blue Eagles with 11 points, including two jumpers from the perimeter and a triple in the start of the fourth that handed Ateneo a 49-39 lead in the last 8:09.
Game Today
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
12 noon – DLSU vs UE (women semis)
4 p.m. FEU vs Ateneo (men’s semis)